*The Department for Education (DFE) have recently announced that they intend to freeze tuition fees for the 2018/19 year. This is still subject to parliamentary approval. Once confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

Course type

BA (Hons)

UCAS info

Points required:
104

UCAS code: L300

Institute code: L51

Study mode

About your course

BA (Hons) Sociology at LJMU is a varied degree, which offers a unique opportunity to undertake a contemporary, critical and sector-leading programme of study. The degree will develop your research skills and help you explore alternate ideas and respect points of view that may be contrary to your own, including providing core training in sociological methods and theory.

Teaching from leading scholars who have published books and articles on many topics, including the sociology of global football, the life and work of Max Weber, the shifting politics of race and racism, and gender divisions in Nepali society

Study unique pathways that reflect the diversity of the discipline and student interest, including the sociology of culture (identity, religion, music and photography), social inequalities (class, gender and sexuality, disability, health), social policy (sociology in action and green issues) and global issues (social scales, mobilities, development, societal differences and pathways).

Training in core methods and sociological theory

An international perspective, including field visits

Work placement opportunities in teaching, international development, charities, tourism, the media, creative and heritage industries

The lectures are very informative and stimulating and along with the workshops help make the topics interesting and interactive and easy to learn.

Sarah Jones, Sociology graduate

“Studying Sociology at LJMU presented interesting and engaging challenges across the three years. The diversity of both the core and option modules provided opportunities to pursue my personal interest areas further, whilst also discovering new ones. Staff offered first class support and were always happy to help. The highlight of the course was the unique opportunity to carry out research in real life and international settings.”

Nathan Marshall-Jones, Graduate

Work-related learning

Opportunities for work-based and work-related learning are integrated into the programme. This will offer you the chance to put what you have learnt into practice as well as providing new skills and experiences. It will also add real value to your CV, giving you a professional edge when you come to negotiate your way through the graduate job market.

Careers events and information on volunteering opportunities are incorporated into core modules and you will have the option to undertake placements at Level 6.

Support and guidance

Tutors who will provide a supportive, nurturing environment.

If you study Sociology at LJMU, you will join a friendly and stimulating environment in which you will be encouraged to achieve your full potential in your academic work, personal and intellectual development, and your future career. We pride ourselves on the informal and supportive relationships we have with our students.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for your academic and personal progress throughout the course. Along with this scheduled one-to-one support, you will receive regular feedback and guidance from your module tutors on your research, writing and study skills.

Course details

Sociology is a diverse, demanding, dynamic and innovative programme designed by academics who are both leading scholars and dedicated educators.

The Sociology degree provides a balance of core and optional modules, delivering a thorough grounding in theory and method, alongside cutting-edge and emerging theoretical and methodological approaches. The programme endeavours to recognise the history and legacy of sociology while also developing its insights to contemporary and emerging problems.

You can choose to follow your own pathway by selecting modules that contribute to a theme or themes including social divisions and inequality, social policy, culture, and globalisation. At the same time, individual modules contribute to more than one pathway given the intersection of various themes (e.g. the globalisation of culture), and because social variables such as class, age, disability, gender, beliefs and ideologies operate in society at all times with different impacts.

The opportunities to consider societies other than the UK, and to do so in some depth in a variety of modules means that the curriculum is international in focus. It also provides unique opportunities to study in South Asian societies, to participate in study exchanges in other countries in Europe and beyond, or to undertake supervised field visits. Previous field visits have taken place in Brussels and Nepal, for example.

The teaching of well-established and emerging theory is combined with core training in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and balances 'action research' with other forms of social enquiry. In the final year, research method teaching embraces more recent methodological innovations including visual and sensory approaches.

The modules offered on the degree reflect the sociological work undertaken by members of staff, and are inspired by their research and contributions to national and international debates. This ensures that the curriculum is up-to-date, peer reviewed and engaged with contemporary issues and approaches. In the final year, all optional modules are designed to encourage you to make your own enquiries into relevant questions and issues. For example, you could choose to study contemporary issues and work closely with staff in areas such as the sociology of religion, of music or sport, disability, radical social policy, gender studies, emotions and aesthetics, and benefit from the departmental expertise in South East Asian societies. You will also have the opportunity to study a topic of your own choice in depth by choosing to write a dissertation.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, audio-visual presentations and field work trips. Online discussion boards allow you to debate, with your tutors and peers, ideas that arise in the classroom. Outside the classroom you will have 24 hour access to extensive electronic resources via the LJMU network and print resources available in the nearby Aldham Robarts Library.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support.

Your tutors write and publish widely and are fully committed to public engagement as part of LJMU's mission as a civic university. We combine our scholarship-led teaching with a rich relationship with our students.

Assessment and feedback

Approximately 75% of your assessments will be by coursework and the rest by exam, but this varies according to the options you choose.

We understand that all students perform differently depending on the way they are assessed, and so we use a range of traditional and innovative assessment methods. These include essays, exams, reports, individual and group presentations, policy analyses, online tests, wikis and critical reviews.

Constructive feedback on your assessed work is designed to help you achieve your full potential and get the most out of your studies. Your tutors will provide this in writing, by email or in face-to-face meetings where they will help you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work. They can also direct you to further support if you feel you need it.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

104

Application and selection

​The following criteria are desirable but not essential. We will use them to rank applications. Please demonstrate your development of these attributes in the personal statement included in your application:A critical interest in how societies are constructed and the issues and challenges presentedA questioning mindGood analytical skillsGood reading and information retrieval skills - obtaining information from a range of sources and using it to support analysisThe ability to construct and critically assess arguments

GCSE and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Average A Level offer: BCC

Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D if studied on its own or To the total of 104 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications.

Extended diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma subjects / grades required: DMM in a relevant subject required if no other Level 3 qualification taken

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Further information: At least 9 Distinctions and 36 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 104 UCAS Tariff points in a relevant subject

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional information: 24 IB Diploma Points

Welsh awards

Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional entry requirement information

​Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.

International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

In 2018 LJMU will charge Home and EU students a tuition fee of £9,250* for the majority of its full time undergraduate programmes and £6,935* per year for part time courses. You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

*Subject to parliamentary approval.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £21,000.** Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is confirmed.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

The government has stated that it intends to introduce a pro rata maintenance loan for part time students from England from the 2018/19 academic year.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £21,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £21,000).* Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is released.

*Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

Each year, Sociology graduates enter a variety of professions and careers.

Our graduates find career opportunities in:

social services

local and national Government and the civil service

youth work

lecturing and teaching

career guidance

research

journalism

third sector advocacy

think tanks

policy development

Some go on to careers in police and probation services; human resource management; legal services; marketing and advertising; ICT development; business and finance; publishing; health services; health promotion and public health; ecology and environmental campaigning; and international development.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes

LJMU offers international students the option of completing International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes at the University’s International Study Centre. These courses are managed and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. For more details on the International Study Centre, go to www.ljmuisc.com/

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents:

A declaration of your intent to return home on completion of your course of study

The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Further guidance on programme changes